Chapter 47 A Love Put on Trial But Jasper refused to let go . His eyes were red as he begged , " Claudia , it was nothing but an act . The hug only happened because that's what Preston would have done . I never loved her . Lydia is sick . She thinks I'm Preston . That's all . We never crossed any other line . Your parents can it . " prove " So you all knew . " Her parents , her brothers , even her boyfriend - together they had spun one giant lie , all for Lydia . Jasper's voice cracked with pain . " I couldn't tell you . " He looked her in the eyes , which filled with hurt . " If I had told you about Lydia's illness back then , you would have broken up with me immediately ." Jasper knew her too well . Claudia hated anything tied to Lydia . She had a deep , instinctive dislike for anything connected to Lydia . She would never stand by and watch Jasper stay close to her . Claudia didn't deny it . But the truth was still ugly . " If she never gets better , does that mean every time she calls , you'll run to her and leave me behind ? " " Her condition is stabilizing , " he said quickly . " She'll be fine soon . " " You can't answer me - because you know you would . " Jasper argued , " Claudia , Preston died saving me . He loved Lydia more than anyone . She's your sister too . " " She is not ! " Claudia shouted . Jasper clutched her hand . " Please , Claudia . Don't give up on me . " Claudia glared coldly at him . Even if he didn't mean to , he still stabbed her heart again and again for Lydia's sake . This time it was just a hug . Next time ? Would it be a kiss ? A night together ? ) 1/3 Chapter 41 A LUVC ru UIT Finished A canceled movie date , an empty seat at dinner , a forgotten anniversary . Would she always have to step aside for Lydia ? His relationship with Claudia provided him the opportunity to hurt her . From that day on , their relationship dropped to freezing point . Jasper never again concealed his visits to Lydia after Claudia discovered the truth . He always asked Claudia first . But Claudia often wondered - if she said no , would he actually stay ? But she already knew . The way he kept glancing at his phone , nervous and restless , while waiting for her answer - there was her answer . Many believed the turning point was the day of the proposal . It wasn't . That day , she had only given Jasper one last chance . And he made his choice . " If being with me meant people would criticize you , and someone used favors to force your decision , would you give me up ? " Claudia's voice was soft as she looked at the man busy in the kitchen . She was curled on the couch , wrapped in a white blanket . Her loose hair covered her face so that only her pale cheeks showed . She looked like a small snowball , soft and fragile . Sterling set down the chicken soup , slipped off the oven mitts , and walked over . Without a word , he scooped the snowball up with one arm like a child and set her at the dining table . While calmly setting out the bowls and silverware , he answered , " If he put you on a scale , it means your worth to him could be weighed . And when he didn't choose you , no matter what excuse he gave , it proved you weren't as heavy as the other side . " He wanted to be the good guy - honorable , grateful , proper . That meant he had to sacrifice you . " But me , Ms. Lancaster - don't you remember our second meeting? Being called ungrateful or heartless is nothing compared to the names already tied to me ." Yes . A man who didn't even fear blood on his hands - how high could his morals really be ? Claudia should have been afraid . Instead , she felt a strange happiness at the role he claimed for 2/3 Chapter 47 A Love Put on tar himself . Fimshed The man suddenly leaned in close , so close that their noses nearly touched . His voice dropped low . " But if something is truly important to me , I never put it on a scale . I never compare it to anything else . Ms. Lancaster , if you want to step off that scale , you just need to try a little harder . " Send Gifts 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!